44 things that make me happy

Today is my 44th birthday. So , in celebration, I am listing 44 random things that make me happy. I'm not including names of people I love, of course they make me happy:)

1. snuggling
2. staying in my cozy blue robe all day
3. cake (which, in case you didn't know, is my favorite food group!)
4. reading a picture book to a child
5. giving a random gift to someone
6. the zoo (just about any zoo will do)
7. cabins in the mountains
8. thin mint girl scout cookies
9. The Sound of Music
10. Mama Mia onstage
11. dancing
12. the smell of cinnamon
13. great conversations with friends
14. making new friends
15. watching someone get baptized
16. seeing restoration of lives happen
17. vacation Bible school
18. monogrammed jewelry
19. monogrammed purses
20. okay, okay, anything monogrammed
21. Purex detergent sheets
22. flip-flops, especially yellow box ones
23. Hallmark stores (especially our local one)
24. a good book
25. roaring fire in the fireplace
26. new car smell
27. although, a new car would make me really happy right now!
28. going to the movies
29. tender white popcorn by Orville
30. a new pen
31. freshly sharpened pencils
32. freshly cut grass
33. tulips
34. gerbera daisies
35. bubble baths
36. watching the underdog (especially at the Olympics) win
37. the Olympics
38. pomp and circumstance
39. pedicures
40. Bath and Body Works lotion--in the tube, not the bottle
41. candles
42. pictures-I really like the ones taken by my s-i-l although, I don't think she likes photographing our family--we don't photograph well
43. losing weight---9.4 pounds so far, thank you very much!
44. a massage from my fav masseuse!

So, there you have it. I'm simple and easy to please..............What about you??

what's going on?

Just a quick update on life in this parsonage!

**Luke's 2nd quarter awards day was today. He received a Social Studies award and was once again has the highest number AR points in the school! He's ahead of the other kid close to him by like 30 points. He has 362!! Yeah, Luke We're so proud of you.

**Steve's diabetes is still not under control even though he has lost over 30 pounds since diagnosis, and is continuing to lose. The dr. upped his meds.....that's been making him sick this week. Hopefully, it will dissipate soon.

**I have been working diligently on my portfolio for graduation. It is so time-consuming, I swear I will be bald by the time I finish :) I am also spending a lot of time at the middle school. I start at the elementary school next week which I am so looking forward to......I'll be spending about 1/3 of my time there.

** Steve and I started weight watchers again. I know, you've heard this song and dance before. It's hard for me, I will not lie. However, it helps that we are actually having some success. This is week 3, and I've lost 9.4 and Steve has lost 14.6! Sickening, I know.

**Shea has to travel back to ATL for 3 more weeks and then she's done with that. Thank goodness!! She is really enjoying school.

** Stevie is still weighing her options. She is thinking of going on a mission trip....still praying about that! Hoping something will open up for her soon.

** The church is going well. Too well, I think for Satan's liking! He is really attacking the families in our church. I pray that they will stay strong and not give up.

**Luke is thinking of going out for football.......SCARY!! for the momma. He's finished wrestling, and is now weightlifting. He is a busy boy.

That's what's going on in this house. What's up with you??

the long way home by andrew klavan

The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan is the second in the The Homelanders series. It tells the story of Charlie West who has been convicted of murdering his best friend. Charlie doesn't remember what has happened, only knows that someone is hunting him; and he and his friends want to know why! They attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan when it arrived in the mail. I love picture books, but don't always find young adult fiction to be that riveting. I found this book to be okay. I liked the storyline, and the way it peaked my interest; but wasn't so sure about the "language" because, while I did find it to be authentic, I didn't find it to very engaging. I think it is an excellent choice for young adults who like to read. I'm especially taken with the fact that it will appeal to the older set of teenage readers whose choices thus far have been far too juvenile. I do plan to order the first book so that I can read these in a series as intended, and then get the third on in November when it becomes available. They are worth a shot!

i totally stole this

Thanks, Lori, for this cute post on your blog! I needed an idea today.


You Know Your Church Is A Redneck Church if ...

--- The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a
chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.

--- People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish
were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.

--- When the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering,"
and fifteen guys and two women stand up.

--- Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.

--- A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because
"It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of."

--- The choir is known as the "OK Chorale".

--- In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the
church directory.

--- Baptism is referred to as "branding".

--- High notes on the organ set the dogs on the floor to howling.

--- People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.

--- The baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized washtub.

--- The choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy
Bob's Barbecue.

--- The collection plates are really hub caps from a '56 Chevy.

--- Instead of a bell, you are called to service by a duck call.

--- The minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.

--- The communion wine is Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink".

--- "Thou shalt not covet" applies to hunting dogs, too.

--- The final words of the Benediction are, "Y'all come back now!! Ya Hear"

proud mama

Sometimes, as moms, our kids do something that makes us go, "Way to go!" like pinning an opponent at a wrestling match or winning a part in a school play.

Sometimes, they do something that makes us smile that proud mama smile like taking up the offering without being asked or volunteering to help with a project.

But sometimes, and only sometimes, do they do something so amazing...so jaw-dropping, that we can't think of words to express our pride. These are the moments that don't happen often, and that we rarely think about experiencing. These are the times when you can honestly say to yourself, "I done gooooooooooooooood!" knowing that truly it was the grace of God that allowed your kid to be so awesome.

I had this experience last week.

I had to go to Augusta to stay with our friend who has been so sick. (He's better now---thanks for asking!) Of course, while I was there, I was able to see Shea quite a bit. On Wednesday night she told me that she wanted to give me her tithe before I left so that I could bring it to the church. I didn't really think anything about it, figuring it was probably thirty bucks or so and no big deal.

What I should tell you before I go on is that Shea has moved part-time to Augusta, but is still traveling to Atlanta on the weekends to work until her transfer comes through. Luckily, one of the stores in Augusta is chomping at the bit for her to come there (actually, every store she spoke to wanted her) and they are pushing for the transfer to come through quickly (let's pray that happens). While all of this is going on, of course she isn't getting that many hours in Atlanta and her financial aid was held up due to a little snafu so she has to wait another two weeks before it comes through. So, money is extremely tight for her right now, and since her dad is a preacher (and not one of those mega-church preachers) with preacher pay; and I am not working, we haven't really been able to help her out financially so she's had to make it on her own.

With all of that being said, I hope you get the picture before I tell you the amazing, jaw-dropping thing she did.

When she went to get the money, she handed me a HUGE wad of cash. A HEAVY wad of cash. I couldn't believe it. Here was a girl, who last weekend lived in ATL with $12 to her name, handing me a wad of cash to give to the church for GOD's ministry. All-in-all, it was $752. Wow!

I cannot begin to tell you how proud of her I was. Of course, I also thought boy did I do good.....look at what I taught her.....we are such good parents! LOL

God quickly set me straight. In my gloating, he gently and quietly said, "But for MY grace, she wouldn't be doing this." Stopped my selfish, boastful, pride right in it's shoes. He did a good job. He taught her well. He is the best parent. If not for Him, where would any of us be? Dreadful human beings, that's where!

I gave my children to God a long time ago. I don't worry like a lot of people that I know that something is going to happen. I know who is in control, and boy did he show me.

I am so proud of all three of my children...........and in that quiet moment after God spoke, I thanked Him for them......all three of them, but especially that night, for the lessons He has taught Shea and how she has endured with amazing grace and clarity of God's purpose, I thanked God for her.

eclectic wendy designs

You know I love silver handmade jewelry, so this particular giveaway was very interesting to me! Check out eclectic wendy designs and you will see why I am such a fan. After checking it out, go to frugal mommy's blog to enter the contest. If you win and don't want it just send it over to me!!

questions for pastor's wives

So, I came across a little blog today and she posed a couple of questions for pastor's wives, but they are really relevant to any conversation.

1.Do you have or have you had a mentor and/or do you plan to do any mentoring?

I have never had a ministry mentor....goodness knows I could have used one! I do try to be a mentor when the situation arises, and would certainly hope that one day I can do this on a more active basis. I have certainly had mentors in my life that shaped me into the person that I am today. The one I remember the most was, of course, a teacher. Mrs. Lynn Lewis whom I adored! I still love her for all that she did for me waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the 6th grade. She was also our neighbor, and she became my friend.

2. Did you know you were marrying a preacher/pastor?

For me, the question is really did HE know that he was going to be a pastor. The answer is NO, but I did know that I would marry a pastor. Did I understand what that meant? haha....refer to question/answer #1. It wasn't until a lot of soul searching that he found his true calling, and even though he tried to run, and has even once run since......we always come back to the vocation of God's choice. It ain't easy, but it's the only way for true happiness for us.

So, what about you? If you aren't a pw, have you ever had a mentor?

the preacher's wife part 2

okay, well. I posted yesterday about the book, You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, and about the author and my hope that she would stay genuine and seemingly humble. I stumbled upon another blog tonight that says this is actually her second book, not her debut. My bad! So, if that is in fact true, in my mind and not that she has to, but she has certainly proven herself to be genuinely humble, at least on her blog!

So, my bad, Lisa. Continue on with your life...................I approve, haha!!

the preacher's wife

Over at The Preacher's Wife, there is a giveaway for her new book,

You can win a copy if you answer the question, "Are you on time for church?" That's a pretty simple one, right?

Anyway, I have read several books by or about preachers wives, and typically they are not so good. One in particular explained, in detail, how a good preacher's wife had several china tea sets and would have the ladies in the church over for tea. To that I say, yea right! I don't know of ANY pastor's wives who have the time for that or who are pretentious enough to do that.

I don't know Lisa McKay, the author of this book, but I do read her blog. Here's my hope, though. I hope that she doesn't become what so many of the pastor's wives whom I have encountered at the SBC turn in to. They think they are better than the little people. That annoys me every year when we go to the convention. The elitist attitude....like we are not all suppose to be working toward a common goal. This is not politics, people, this is salvation......the kingdom. What they say is good, but their actions speak so much louder than their words. Their husbands aren't much better (or really, they're worse!) but, seriously, what makes them think they can offer anything to me? They've led a charmed ministry life. Seriously, walk in my shoes, and then tell me something!

Please, don't misunderstand, not all are like that. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to some of them speak about their ministry or just teach the Bible during those times when all of the minister's wives get together. And, that is my prayer for her. She seems so genuine on her blog. I'd like to meet her, I bet we'd be friends...we seem a lot alike. I just hope that her book is all that I want it to be. Practical, sensible, heart-felt advice or suggestions or encouragement---not platitudes or know-it-all foolishness.

a birthday boy

Yesterday was Steve's birthday, and I failed to make a post about it. I have other things that I had planned to write today, but thought I should instead take a moment and mention a few things that I love about the birthday boy!!

1. his mad cooking skills
2. the way he yells at the tv when something happens during the GA game, and then doesn't get mad when the kids and I laugh at him
3. his love for all things godly
4. his love of pedicures (no, he doesn't get his toenails painted...that is where he draws the line!)
5. the fact that he will watch and laugh with me at The Bachelor
6. the fact that he would rather give than receive
7. the way he looks at me
8. the way he feels about Shea, Stevie, and Luke
9. that he is the calm one
10. people rarely get on his nerves

This is just 10, I could literally sit here all night and write--except that it's almost time for The Bachelor!

alrighty people

Do you see that very blank and sad widget to the right of this post? Well, that's for you to fill up (yes, I almost misspelled that and THAT would have been weird!). Just click the "follow" button and you will be able to see a synopsis of my posts on your facebook page--networked blogs. Pretty cool, but not so much if it stays EMPTY (yes, I know all caps is yelling in type-speak, that's why I used them). I do not want to be the lame-o who has one follower...............come on, help a girl out, I'd do it for you!!

not to be missed

Here's another giveaway not to be missed!

http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2010/01/tiny-tokens-designs-valentine-giveaway.html

I checked out this tiny tokens designs etsy shop and they have really, really cute stuff! Of course, if you win something, that makes it even cuter.

a wonderful gift

When I was a new, young, naive, immature, and selfish teacher I worked in a school that was comprised of mostly lower-income, one parent families. There was not a lot of home or community support even though we were a "community" school (really just meaning that most of our kids walked). The area honestly didn't lend itself to "involvement". During this particular year, one that had been extremely difficult, when the holidays began approaching one of my students started telling me that he had a wonderful gift for me. He went on and on day after day about his gift. I, in my young, naive, immature, and selfish way thought, "Wow! I must have really touched this kid and his mom for them to have gone and gotten ME something so special." I had no idea just how special that gift would be.

The day before the break came, and we had a big party (because in those ancient times you could actually have a big party!). I passed out all of the cupcakes, chips, candy, cookies, and drink they could possibly want and the time finally came for me to open the gifts the children offered. So, I sat down in a chair in front of them and proceeded to open, one by one, their gifts--figurines, chocolate-covered cherries, thin mints, a broken toy, and the like until they were gone. I still hadn't seen that special gift from that one child, but directly, he stood up and went to his desk to get it. He brought it to me with a HUGE smile on his face. A gift wrapped by him. I could tell by the look on his face how proud he was to be able to offer something to me--his teacher.

"Oh, what could it be?" I asked myself. I tore into the paper expecting what? I. have. NO. idea. Here was a kid who I knew did not have money or parental support offering me something. I gently opened the box with sixty eyes upon me--because remember, he had talked for WEEKS about this gift, waiting with bated breath to see what it was and how I would like it. Mostly, I opened it with his eyes on me with wide anticipation. What was it?? you're asking.......

What the gift was is not as important as what the gift did for me. This, was the day I truly grew up. I know, I was already married with two kids.....wasn't I already a grown-up? Nope! Honestly, there were still many lessons to learn......but they ALL started that day. I was enthused.......I was bright-eyed.....I was ecstatic. Why? Because this little boy, whom nobody had ever done anything for......who lived a life we don't wish on children......had shared ALL that he had with ME!

Does this remind you of someone else or another story you've heard of? How about the widow who gave her last mite at the temple? She gave all she had to Jesus and he talked about it in Mark 12. 41-44Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all." (The Message)

Let us not be guilty of giving for the recognition it may bring us or to make ourselves feel better. God doesn't give much credence to the one who tries to make his or her gift a spectacle. I believe that giving in private is worth so much more not only to God, but to us as well. When we give sacrificially, God gets the glory, and isn't that what we want?

While the little boy in my story gave his gift to me in public, it was the most beautiful gift I have ever received from a student--the gift of selflessness. A gift I needed to learn. It was time to put away childish things and do for others. Unfortunately, it still took a few years for me to fully learn that lesson, but I have never forgotten that student. I will always remember that perfect gift. Do you want to know what it was?

A sale catalog from Sears!

silence

............talking on the tv

............clicking of the computer keys

............occasional footsteps

............ding of the microwave

These are the things that I hear. Mostly white noise.......meaningless and sad. Silence.

I miss those days when as a mom of young children, I heard sweet laughter and constant chatter. You know the days when you want to pull your hair out and scream, but you know that you can't because it might scare the children!

I miss Luke's toothy grin and his sweet disposition. His constant "I love you, mommy" filled my days with a sweet aroma of goodness.

I miss watching Steve rock Stevie to sleep because he was the only one who could calm her tears. I miss those impromptu hugs that came accompanied by a big smile and kisses.

I miss those days of Shea and I alone when I was her best friend and could do no wrong. I miss her wanting to be with me because I was her everything.

All of these things that I wanted to end because they drove me crazy..........I miss those now.

It's too late.

My arms are empty. I ache for a little one to cuddle, snuggle, and rock now that I can truly appreciate the gift.

I see those little ones on the tv....those in Haiti or Africa or in the USA, I want to swoop in and rescue them with my love that is bubbling in my heart about to burst like a too-full balloon.

Time's a-wasting, there's love to give.

a new giveaway

There's another giveaway that I thought some of you might be interested in.

If you go to frugal mommy of 2 girls you can win some hairbows and a crayon roll.

I love the crayon roll! Check out the Simply Couture Boutique on etsy.

haiti haiku

Destruction and fear

Staggering loss of life

Hell rained its fury


The destruction is being described as staggering. I couldn't agree more. Please pray.

shoot me now

I've only begun this adventure we shall call the last semester of school and already I can tell that it is going to be intense! You may not hear from me every day because I am just too darned busy. I have spent about 5 hours today alone just working on my stinkin' website.

But, if you get lonely for me, my other blog, you know--the one that shall not be named (haha) is open. I am using it for school, well, sort of! I have to link to it for some of my digital portfolio projects --remember I highjacked it last year? So, if you want to go and read some of those old posts, there they are!

So, see ya when I see ya as they say!! (who the heck is they anyway?????)

How To Reach Your Full Potential For God by Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley is a name that I can trust. So, anytime I am given the opportunity to read his material, I take it. He writes in a way that the common man can understand exactly the point he is trying to make. In How to Reach Your Full Potential for God, Stanley outlines seven essentials for doing our best for God.

In this latest offering from him, he uses his usual style to tell us how to live a life fully for God. The best advice that I received from it was this quote: "If you truly want to reach your full potential, you must have a clean heart, a clear mind, and a balanced schedule." That's what we really all need to have peace and a full life.

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for your purpose in this life and how to live it for God's purpose and not your own.

the final countdown

You've heard that song The Final Countdown written by Joey Tempest. Well, that's how I feel. School started back for me today and this is the last semester of my library program. After April 30, I will be a certified media specialist. This has been a life-long dream for me. I remember, as a child, finding solace in the library and the reverence that I felt when I walked into that huge media center at Pine Ridge Elementary in Cayce, SC. I fell in love with Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Trixie Belden, and so many others there as I soaked up all of the words I could possibly read.

When we left that place of comfort where I had been for the first five years of my school life (kindergarten was not mandatory and I went to a private one), I once again found solace in the library during lunch where I would hang out so that I wouldn't have to eat in the lunchroom by myself because I didn't know anyone. I instead found myself in places like Paris, Venice, and Olympus. I just loved to read!

I still love to read, and I still have a love affair with the library. It's one of my most favorite places in the world and generally, my kids and I are on a first name basis with the local librarian. For me, a librarian is the keeper of the key. She/he holds that key for kids like me, who need to lose themselves in another world for a variety of reasons. I am very blessed to have had this opportunity. I know I will inspire the next generation to love reading and technology--since really, that's what it is all about these days.

Some think that the library and books will become obsolete. I don't. I do think though that I may try a kindle knowing that I can keep a multitude of books on that thing and not have to dust them which will be heavenly!

So, the final countdown is on.....................I'm ready to blast off to Venus or wherever the books may take me!!

The Final Countdown

We're leaving together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To earth, who can tell?
We're leaving ground
Will things ever be the same?

It's the final countdown
The final countdown

We're heading for Venus and still we stand tall
Cause maybe they've seen us, and welcome us all, yea
With so many light years to go and things to be found
(To be found)
I'm sure that we'll all miss her so

It's the final countdown
The final countdown

the search is on

The job search, that is. I know I've been talking a lot about it, but now is the time of year when districts are at least beginning to think about who they will hire and who they will need for next year. I've been looking for job fairs and at district websites to see what's out there. I've been filling out countless applications, reference forms, and transcript requests. There seems to be a never-ending amount of hoops to jump through when one chooses to look for a teaching job. Each district wants basically the same information, but on a different form or in a different format. South Carolina, at least, is good in that they do have one central location for all of this stuff and most districts will just download the information from there. That certainly saves time and headaches!

Then, there's the added frustration of actually waiting to see if you will even get an interview, because believe you me, folks, the "good ole boy" system is alive and well! It is really who you know, NOT what you know that lands you a job. The only exception to that was when I got my job in Douglas County, and that, my friends, was a total God-thing!

I remind myself on a daily basis of my new mantra.............This is God's journey, and I am just along for the ride! I know He won't lead my astray and if a job is what He wants for me, then a job I will have. Amazingly, it will be just the job I need. That's always happened for me, that I have found myself in the jobs where He has needed me most.

But, until He decides to reveal that information to me, I must continue on the roller coaster on job-hunting............YUCK!! I'll keep you posted.

***********As a side note, Shea loves her classes! She even handled a snafu with her schedule without panic.............that, people, is another God-thang! :o)

wow

I knew after last night's loss to Alabama in listening to Colt McCoy talk, that I just loved this kid! After watching this video, I admire him even more. What a wonderful testimony he has and how awesome that he chooses to share it with the world in such a public way!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qygFhxCkFkg

mother theresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

be kind anyway.

If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;

succeed anyway.

If you are honest people may cheat you;

be honest anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the end, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway.

taken from MckMama

authentic

I am getting pretty darned tired of this word. Authentic. What does that really mean, anyway? Webster says this about it: not false or imitation

I have one question for all of those bloggers out there who say they are trying to be more authentic in what they write about: Really? I mean, let's be honest--and those who know me know that I am brutally honest--nobody is truly authentic on the world wide web. Sure, we share stuff about our lives, our families, our feelings; but nobody says everything they truly want to say or shares everything about everything.

I guess it bothers me because most whom I have read who have written on this topic act like it's a big deal or like they are doing readers a favor by being authentic. The blog belongs to you, so write what you want to write and say what you want to say and go on with your life. We aren't going to please everyone all of the time, and we shouldn't try!

Some of us who blog as a way of journaling our lives or who use blogging as a creative outlet (both of which are me), certainly need to be responsible in our writing. As a preacher's wife I don't write all that goes on in our home because we are already under a magnificent magnifying glass anyway.......why add fuel to the fire? I do, believe, however, if I have a topic that is waying on my heart, it is well within my right to post about it. If the reader doesn't like it, he/she can read somewhere else.

I know this seems random, but I sense the Lord working on something in me that may lead me to be more upfront and open in ways that I've never considered. It may just be that He wants to use my blog as a way of confronting problems that we all face and maybe I can help someone through; it may be nothing at all. Whatever it is, I intend to blog no differently. There, I said it, I don't think it's important or anyone else's business if I have a disagreement with my husband (since we rarely have those, I don't mind using that as an example!). Some things are meant to be private.................get over it!

This probably makes no sense to you, but at least I got it off my chest! Whew......if only it would take a couple of pounds of fat with it........................................ :o)

moving day

well, almost. Not for me, thankfully! I will be out of town for the next couple of days and without a computer helping Shea find a new apartment or somewhere to live while she goes back to school. We are really proud of her for taking the plunge (albeit years later than we would have liked!) and finishing up her degree. We know that God has great plans for her, and look forward to seeing where on the road of life she finds herself next.

10 in 2010

Here's my top 10 list for 2010:

1. Lose 50 pounds....yes, I know I need to lose more, but hey, gotta start somewhere : )

2. Get a job...and not just any job! I want my own library, but I'll settle for my own classroom.

3. GRADUATE.....on target for May, 2010 but it ain't gonna be easy.

4. Become an affiliate Secret Agent........remember that website? Although, I am thinking about branching out on my own with a different "secret" name and infusing some Jesus into it.

5. Make 6 new friends.....I need some local friends, people...........

6. Read the Bible more. Yea, I know you think the resident PW sits and reads it ALL the time, but I am just like you........sometimes LIFE gets in the way! The truth ain't always pretty.

7. Go and visit all of those Facebook friends that I've reconnected with............yes, that means you, Janet!! Can't wait to see some of them in TN this month!!

8. Collect a ton of change in my Christmas jar.....which I am already looking forward to giving away.

9. Give more of my time away........I'm pretty selfish with it, and I know others really need it more.

10. Take a 20th anniversary trip with my husband without letting anything get in the way. (easier said than done!)

rufus seder

I love the work of Rufus Seder. He does scanimation in books like Gallop!, Wallop!, and Swing!

He is also coming out with a Star Wars book that I guess I will have to purchase for the men in my life, but anyway, his stuff is awesome. We went to the NC Zoo the other day for a little family outing, and image my surprise when I saw these beautiful murals around the polar bear and puffin exhibits. Then, I looked a little closer and realized that Seder had done these. They are gorgeous and these pictures certainly do not do them justice, but his ability to weave a picture within a picture and make it come alive is fabulous!

had to share

I planned a post on the ten things that I want to accomplish in 2010, and that will come. However, I found this website/blog tonight and just had to share because it goes right along with everything that I hope to be.........kinder. Check it out.....maybe we can start our own brand of "southern" secret agent project!